Common Mistakes in Picture Book Manuscripts and How to Avoid Them
Hello, fellow writers! Today, I want to touch on some common pitfalls that can trip up even the most experienced picture book authors. By being aware of these mistakes, you can sidestep them and create a manuscript that truly shines:
Overly Wordy Text – Picture books are all about brevity—ideally 500 words or less for fiction or concept book, and 1000 words or less for non-fiction. Every word must serve the story. Avoid the temptation to describe, over-explain, be repetitive (unless for style) or include extraneous details. Focus on the essence of your tale and trim the excess.
Telling Instead of Showing – Remember, picture books are a visual medium. Instead of telling readers what’s happening or how your character feels, show it through your characters’ actions, behavior, and dialogue. And don’t write what the art will show! Evaluate every adjective and adverb in your manuscript to see if it’s truly necessary. Can you find a stronger noun or verb that doesn’t need modifying? Trust your illustrator to bring the narrative to life!
Inconsistent Characterization – Ensure each of your characters is distinct from one another, and that they each behave consistently throughout the story. Give them all their own unique voice and traits, and then watch for any changes in behavior or tone. Develop all your characters fully and stay true to their personalities.
Lack of Conflict – A good fiction or narrative non-fiction story needs tension, or a central conflict, to keep readers turning the pages to find out “what happens next?” Ensure your plot includes a clear problem that your characters must solve, or obstacles to the goal they are pursuing. This keeps the narrative dynamic and interesting.
Weak Endings – A strong ending is crucial for a satisfying picture book. Avoid abrupt or overly predictable conclusions. Strive for a resolution that feels both surprising yet inevitable, leaving readers with a sense of closure.
Pairing Up with an Illustrator – If you are an author-only, rather than an author/illustrator, you may be surprised and relieved to know that it’s not up to you to identify an illustrator for your book. Publishers consider it their job – and an important one at that – to pair the right illustrator with the right text. Teaming up with an illustrator prior to submitting your manuscript to agents and editors for publication consideration is considered taboo and will mark you as an amateur. Just submit text only, and trust the editor or agent to be able to think visually when reading your story.
By keeping these common mistakes in mind, you’ll be better equipped to craft compelling and polished picture book manuscripts. Happy writing!
